Daveen Bell
What: Event, the Prom you never went to
Why: A fundraiser for the family of Daveen Bell, who died on July 9 from motorcycle accident injuries sustained a week earlier.
When: Saturday, July 25, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Naples American Legion Post #155, Route 11
Please note: Attire for the Prom event is semi-formal to formal. Also, items are still being accepted for fundraising auction.

By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Daveen Bell was known to go the extra mile for people, particularly the students who knew her as a bus driver over a period of almost two decades.

“For example, we moved up here 12 years ago. My son has Asperger’s Syndrome,” friend Janice Shanks said.

“His first day of school, he didn’t get on the right bus. Daveen met another bus on the (American) Legion parking lot,” she said.

Then, Bell followed up with the young boy, making certain he found the right bus after school, Shanks said.

“Everyone has stories about Daveen,” she said.

The stories are being told about Bell as her life is being remembered.

Bell died on July 9 from critical injuries after being in motorcycle wreck on Route 133 on July 2. She was 47 years old.

For 18 years, Bell drove Bus #26 for the School Administrative District (SAD) No. 61.

Shanks’ twin daughters play lacrosse with Rachel Bell, Bell’s daughter. And, it pains her to know that the high school senior has been left without a mother.

Earlier this spring, Shanks’ daughter, also named Rachel, was talking about the upcoming prom, and she learned many of her mother’s friends never attended their senior prom.

She decided to throw a prom night for that age group during the summertime.

Now, that event has transformed into a fundraiser for the Bell family — to help with hospital expenses and funeral costs, according to Shanks.

When her daughter found out about the motorcycle accident, she wanted to do something for Bell, “who was her bus driver, and was a wonderful person,” Shanks said.

In an effort to raise some funds for the family, a $10 per person donation will be requested for the prom-themed benefit dance on Saturday, July 25, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Naples American Legion Post #155 on Route 11 in Naples. Also, during the evening there will be live music, an auction and a 50/50 raffle, Shanks said.

Donations may also be made at: www.gofundme.com/ym2yz8

A celebration of life service will be held for Bell this Saturday, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Crooked River Elementary School.